Editing 867: Herpetology
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==Explanation== | ==Explanation== | ||
− | {{w|Herpetology}} is the branch of {{w|zoology}} that studies | + | {{w|Herpetology}} is the branch of {{w|zoology}} that studies reptiles and amphibians. {{w|Ornithology}} is the branch of zoology that studies birds. |
− | At an ornithology conference, | + | At an ornithology conference, the presenter is using a cladistic chart to argue that the combining of amphibians and reptiles into a single field of study is misguided. In terms of their evolutionary history, reptiles are more closely related to birds (and even to mammals) than to amphibians. He states that the study of reptiles should more properly be combined into his own field. |
Herpetologists would rightly see this view as a threat to their territory, their budgets and even their existence. | Herpetologists would rightly see this view as a threat to their territory, their budgets and even their existence. | ||
− | The claim made by the ornithologist is fundamentally correct; the evolutionary history of those groups did actually diverge in that way. So, instead of arguing the science | + | The claim made by the ornithologist is fundamentally correct; the evolutionary history of those groups did actually diverge in that way. So, instead of arguing the science, the herpetologists resort to a personal attack on the profession of ornithology. At their own conference, they retaliate with a chart that purports to demonstrate that douchebags and ornithologists are more closely related to each other than either are to "nice people", and they can therefore be grouped into an encompassing "asshole" classification. |
Since the intent of the earlier presentation was presumably to rile herpetologists rather than achieve any particular scientific goal, this response seems appropriate. | Since the intent of the earlier presentation was presumably to rile herpetologists rather than achieve any particular scientific goal, this response seems appropriate. | ||
In the title text, birds are class {{w|Aves}} which is a subset of the suborder {{w|Theropoda}} which is a subset of the order {{w|Saurischia}} and the superorder {{w|Dinosauria}}. Under the normal rules of classification, this means that all birds are technically dinosaurs. | In the title text, birds are class {{w|Aves}} which is a subset of the suborder {{w|Theropoda}} which is a subset of the order {{w|Saurischia}} and the superorder {{w|Dinosauria}}. Under the normal rules of classification, this means that all birds are technically dinosaurs. | ||
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==Transcript== | ==Transcript== | ||
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:Ornithology conference: | :Ornithology conference: | ||
− | :Ponytail: As you can see, herpetology is a silly field; reptiles are actually more closely related to birds and mammals than to amphibians. | + | :[Graph showing a large tree split between amphibians and reptiles.] |
− | + | :Ponytail: As you can see, herpetology is a silly field; reptiles are actually more closely related to birds and mammals than to amphibians.It should really be broken up, with lizards folded into ornithology. | |
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:Herpetology conference: | :Herpetology conference: | ||
+ | :[Graph showing a large tree split between nice people and ornithologists.] | ||
:Megan: As you can see, ornithologists are actually assholes. | :Megan: As you can see, ornithologists are actually assholes. | ||
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{{comic discussion}} | {{comic discussion}} | ||
− | + | [[Category:Comics featuring Megan]] | |
[[Category:Comics featuring Ponytail]] | [[Category:Comics featuring Ponytail]] | ||
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[[Category:Public speaking]] | [[Category:Public speaking]] | ||
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